By: Sarah Waleed

For the past 43 years, March 8th has been marked on all our calendars as the one and only day dedicated to celebrating women. On this day we take a moment to remember the many women who came before us and who have paved the way for change and equality. We’re also honoring the women who are currently changing the world and continuing the battle for women’s rights everywhere. As significant as these women’s efforts are, it is crucial to remember the countless struggles that women still face all around the world.

Here are a few things to remember if you ever think that women have their full rights;

  1. Every year, an estimated 15 million girls under 18 are married worldwide, majority of the time they have no say in the matter.
  2. Female genital mutilation (FGM) affects more than 200 million girls and women alive today in 30 countries. It is recognized internationally as a human rights violation and it is unfortunately common in rural parts of Egypt.
  3. According to the UN, women around the world aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war and malaria.
  4. According to the UN Foundation, “At least 250,000 maternal deaths and as many as 1.7 million newborn deaths would be averted if the need for both family planning and maternal and newborn health services were met.”
  5. There are approximately 781 million illiterate adults worldwide – two-thirds of whom are women.
  6. 1 in 3 women have experienced sexual or physical abuse at some point of their life.